I would say Beadnell - Under an hour to Newcastle and a great base to explore Northumberland and Tyne and Wear all the way up to the Borders.
I'd steer clear of South Shields , but thats because im biased cos im from North Shields - heeheehee .
Actually - My mum used to stay in "The Haven" (Sandhaven) when she was a girl so its a long standing campsite with plenty to do and good a location too.
ingers , i'm from north shields as well, originally. theres also a few other forum members who still live there. small world
Ah ! Certainly is a small world - Im heading up there this weekend coming - Family Bustup - Opps I mean Wedding!
We stayed at Bradford Kaims near Bamburgh recently and it was awful. Noisy kids and adults, grotty toilets and showers. Not sure if you're considering this area but apparently Waren Mill near there is very nice.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!